Uutiset

New agreement on contract rights for footballers

19/04/2012

The social partners representing the professional football sector has today signed their first Agreement setting minimum contract requirements.

The social partners represented by FIFPro (Trade Union); EPFL (European Professional Football Leagues), ECA (European Club Association) and UEFA the governing body of European football have negotiated the agreement. It will also be accompanied by a joint letter where all organisations pledge to implement these new commitments.

Background

To ensure that player contracts throughout Europe meet certain minimum standards, contracts must be in writing, they must define the rights and duties of club and player and they must address matters such as salary, health insurance, social security or paid leave. Contracts also must refer to the duty of players to participate in training, to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to comply with disciplinary procedures. Standard contracts will also contain provisions on dispute resolution and applicable law.

The agreement was signed by Michel Platini (UEFA, President), Frédéric Thiriez (EPFL, President), Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (ECA, President) and Philippe Piat (FIFPro Division Europe, President) and their respective General Secretaries in the presence of László Andor, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion and responsible for social dialogue at EU level. Commissioner Vassiliou, responsible for sport, also attended the signing ceremony.

The Commission supports the European social dialogue in the professional football sector and will assist EU social partners in the monitoring and implementation of the Autonomous Agreement.